Nikki Blake Knox joined the Hilton Hotels Group before graduating from the University of Edinburgh. In 2023, she won the Sales and Marketing Manager of the Year award at the Irish Hospitality Institute Awards. She recently won the Commercial Director of the Year award for EMEA at the Hilton Summit Awards 2024.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I am 100% a spender.
Do you shop around for better value?
It depends on what I’m buying. If it’s a big investment, I’ll definitely do some research. But usually I don’t have that kind of patience and tend to just go in and buy on impulse. I’ll probably spend more if it’s a brand or store I trust, or a store where I expect great service, especially if it’s an independent or local store.
What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve ever made and how much did it cost?
Vacations have always been my biggest luxury purchase. My job offers a lot of travel perks, so I take advantage of the staff rates I get around the world. So I’m lucky to be able to spend the money I would have spent on lodging on more lavish dining and activities during my vacations.
What do you think is the best value for money purchase you’ve ever made?
Probably our car we got right after COVID. It’s only been a little over a year, but it was a rental car when no one was allowed to leave the house. It had very low mileage, was like new, and we got a great deal on it because the manufacturer was obviously clearing a lot of inventory from the rental car market. It was a steal, if you will. We’ve had it for a few years now, and I think we could sell it for quite a bit more than we bought it for.
How have you preferred to shop online or in person during COVID-19 restrictions?
Online. I do most of my shopping online because I barely have time to go shopping in person. I make fewer impulse purchases online than I do in person, so it’s a bit safer for my bank balance.
Do you want to negotiate the price?
Generally, I don’t. Maybe for big purchases like a car, but not on a day-to-day basis.
How has the COVID-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
I got into gardening during Covid and have spent a lot more money on plants and gardening supplies since then than I ever have before.
Are you investing in stocks?
No, but my husband does. He’s a finance guy, so that’s his specialty. I leave that to him.
Cash or card?
Cards all the way. Since the introduction of mobile tap, people are using their mobile phones more than ever to make payments.
What was the last thing you bought? Was it worth the price?
It was a gorgeous pair of Burberry sunglasses, and since I wear sunglasses pretty much all year round and I get a lot of use out of them, I think these sunglasses are well worth the price.
Have you ever been successful in saving for a relatively large purchase?
No, I’m not good at saving money. I’m a big spender. So when I buy something big, I usually use my credit card.
Have you ever lost money?
I haven’t and I pray I never will.
Are you a gambler? If so, have you ever won big?
When it comes to money I’m not a gambler.
Is money important to you?
Money is important to me because it allows me to do the things I love in life: go on vacation with my husband, visit friends and family around the world, organize my ever-growing book and plant collections, enjoy good food, etc. So as long as I have enough money to do those things and stay healthy, that’s enough for me. Money in itself is not my motivator.
How much money do you have now?
I don’t have a penny.
A conversation with Tony Clayton Lee
